Drain cleaner is basically used to unclog the sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and showers. It is a corrosive chemical like a strong acid or base which helps in softening the clog. It is mostly used when a plunger fails to solve the issue.
Drain cleaner if not used carefully may cause damage to the skin. It can lead to serious respiratory problems and may even damage lungs and eyes. Therefore, it is very important to follow the manufacturer's specifications.
With very strong corrosive properties, drain cleaners are one of the most hazardous household products sold to the public today. Care needs to be taken, as well as ensure that different types of drain cleaners are not mixed in the drain.
There are four different types of drain cleaners sold in the market today. The first and most common type is liquid solutions containing sodium hydrochloride, sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide in concentrations of 3-40 percent. These are used to dissolve grease and hair clogs.
The second type consists of solid granules or crystals of sodium or potassium hydroxide. These are also used for hair and grease clogs, and often contain aluminum chips that react with the water in the drain to create heat.
The third type of drain cleaner is also a liquid solution which contains bacteria cultures and enzymes. They help in unclogging the drains by eating away the buildup on the pipes.
The fourth and final type is the liquid solutions that contain sulfuric acid, usually in concentrations around 93-95 percent. These can be very hazardous products if misused, and often create intense heat that can cause the water in the drain to boil, creating a violent eruption from the drain. On the other hand, they are the only products that will effectively dissolve paper, rags and similar blockages. Many of these products are intended for professional use by plumbers, but are seld to the general public also.
The chemical drain cleaners must be used with extra care. It is recommended to use gloves and eye protection while working with such chemical substances so as to avoid any kind of accident. Also, these chemical drains cleaner should be kept away from young kids.
Author Resource:
Scott Rodgers is an author with abundant plumbing knowledge all over the nation. His excellent guidance has created business opportunities for a lot of plumbers from Naples Plumbers to San Mateo Plumbers to get a strong hold on their revenues.